Laptop Running Really Slow

[newcastle1]

My mother in law's laptop is running really slow and I don't know what to do to try and speed it up.
I think that she may have been backing up things as one of the drives is showing as red and full.
Anyone know how to clear things off and get it running faster.
Can I clear the back up off to?
She isn't too bothered about back ups as she basically just wants to play games, do e mails and check on internet.
Thanks

[pinkyboyid]

Assuming your are running Windows 7 and the Disk that is showing red is the system drive C:, try an initial disk cleanup process which will check for redundant user files / system files which you can select to delete

Try:
- Select 'Windows Start'>'Computer'
- Under the Left-hand column in 'Computer' window RIGHT-Click 'Local Disk C:' and select 'Properties'
- In the 'Local Disk C: Properties' window click 'Disk Cleanup'
- A list of potential files for deletion will be searched for and displayed. Tick the ones that you want to delete such as 'Temporary files', 'Recycle bin' and maybe 'Download files'
- You can also click 'Clean-up System files' to remove redundant system files
- Click 'Ok' to complete

Suggest you then use the same 'Computer' browser search / check out the User files directory located in the Login users accounts area at C:\Users\'Login user name'. If any files that you deem them ok to delete, then delete and they will be moved to the Windows 'Recycle Bin', which you should then browse to (usually located on the Users Desktop) and right-click on and select 'Empty Recycle bin'

Hope that helps.

[bazwillrun]

Id ask her and see if she knows what shes backing up and where, and what software is doing the backups.

You say one of the drives.. have a look at it and see whats on it maybe theres some clues..

[bazwillrun]

or use this

http://www.uderzo.it/main_products/space_sniffer/